NB Cookies & Cream Cup
Sunday 29th June saw another successful Network Bangla event. This time however, it was in the form of a football tournament. The event was the first of its kind, Network Bangla having only previously played friendly football matches against Queen Mary’s Bangla Society and a charity match against Asian Forum to fundraise for the Gaza Appeal.
The sun even managed to make a bright appearance as the event brought together 8 teams to ‘network’ on the football pitch in Stepney, London. The teams included Network Bangla’s own Forum regulars, Network Rail, as well as new faces consisting of FC Bengal and East India Company. Syed Ansar and his band Khansar took a break from the music scene and also came down, bringing along huge support in the form of the singing sensation Suzana Ansar and friends. There were also fellow organisational teams including SiL, Young & Gifted, Emerald Network and of course our very own Network Bangla team!
The teams were divided into two pitches and great footballing skills were demonstrated by the teams. In particular on Pitch 1, some great goals were scored by both East India Company and Network Bangla. Pitch 2 saw some amazing saves from Rooful, the goalie and Captain of FC Emerald, and FC Bengal wowed the spectators with their continual goal scoring abilities!
The final was a feverish game and it was contested between Network Bangla and East India Company, to the dismay of some and the cheers of others! Indeed spectators would be forgiven for thinking that perhaps the game was less about the medals and NB Cookies and Cream Cup and more about the free Ice Creams and of course male pride!
The final was an extremely close affair with neither side appearing to be able to break the deadlock. Network Bangla then took the lead after 10 minutes with a goal from Nassar and despite a late rally from East India Company, the single goal proved to be enough as Network Bangla held strong to win the tournament 1-0!
We were honoured to have Tower Hamlets Councillor Abdal Ullah, present the trophies and medals, to the winners Network Bangla and the runners up East India Company.
An extra special award, the Player of the Tournament, chosen by the impartial referees was also presented to our very own Network Bangla team member, Mesba Ahmed for his great skill and sportsmanship.
The day was a great success thanks to all the teams that took part and the spectators and supporters cheering on the sidelines. Network Bangla also thanks our sponsors for the tournament, Cookies & Cream.
For all those who weren’t so successful this time round, don’t worry there will be next year to try your luck and show your improved football skills!
